The Performance of Psychology Professionals in CRAS in the Countryside of Paraíba

This study aims to analyze the performance of Psychology professionals in the Basic Social Protection of the Social Assistance Public Policies. To meet this objective, Cultural-Historical Psychology was used as theoretical support. Eight Psychology professionals who worked at the Reference Center for Social Assistance (CRAS) in the countryside of Paraíba, northeast of Brazil, were interviewed. Semistructured interviews were made, individually. Content analysis was used to analyze data. Empirical data revealed: Academic background oriented to individualizing clinical practice; Limited theoretical and methodological support for the professionals’ performance; Demands arising from social vulnerability conditions, violation of rights and mental health; Predominance of psychosocial performance; and several limitations that make the work of the Psychology professional diffi cult. The conclusion is that both, improvements in the academic background of the Psychology professionals and a more engaged work of professionals regarding the fi ght for improvements in consolidating a system of rights guarantee, are needed.